subject: What To Know About Changing A Broken Window Pane Yourself [print this page] A cracked or broken window can be very easily replaced provided you have the proper know how for the job and the right tools at your disposal. Safety is another factor which you have to take into consideration when replacing a broken window pane.
Even though the basic procedure of changing a broken pane remains the same irrespective of whether you have a wooden or metal window frame, the putty, primer and glass fittings used are different. Putty used is of two typesOil based wood putty which is available in varied colours. Generally a light color is ideal for painted window but a stained or varnished frame requires a deeper colorSelf hardening metal casement putty
A short note on the glass used
Most popularly used glass for window panes is flat glass even though safety glass is better when used for picture windows and huge glass panels, typically used for doors or for low-level glazing.
Flat glass comes in a variety of thicknesses varying from 3mm to 10mm, wherein, those for small windows are 3mm thick, normal windows are 4mm thick and 6-10mm thick for very large windows. Safety glass comes in two main varietiesToughened glass which is not only 5 times tougher but also gets shattered into numerous fragments when broken yet causes no harm.Laminated glass does not shatter even when broken since the broken pieces remain stuck to the intermediate layer of plastic
A few important precautions
Some very important precautions to be taken when changing a broken window paneWearing strong gloves and leather boots is a must when handling glassEye protection in the form of goggles or spectacles should also be wornBroken glass should never be disposed off in a dustbin but should be recycled immediatelyChildren and pets should not be allowed in the vicinity of broken glass.
Tools required for changing the glass of a broken window
The following tools need to be at hand before you start to replace a broken paneNewspaper/Dustsheet, Adhesive tape and Tape measureGlass cutter ,chisel, pliers or pincers, hammer, putty knife Paint brush, primer or aluminum primer depending on the window frame, puttyGlazing sprigs or wire clips depending on the type of your window pane
Removal of the broken glassCover the area all round the broken window with dustsheets or newspaper.Each fragmented piece of glass then has to be levered out from the putty safelyFor a cracked glass, adhesive tape should be stuck over the cracks and a glass cutter run in at the edges to score it.Gently tapping with a hammer generally takes out all broken pieces. But any embedded pieces have to be pulled out from the putty
Procedure for preparation of the frame:Use a chisel to pry out the putty already present from all round the window frame.Any glazing sprigs or wire clips need to be taken out and discardedAfter cleaning up the window pane, it needs to be painted and dried
Measuring and buying the appropriate glass
The height and width of the window frame has to be accurately measured and 3mm subtracted from each to get the correct measurement. Incase of an irregular frame, it is best to take the whole frame to a glass merchant. Also board up the window before going to buy the glass to prevent any untoward incidents happening.
Putty and glazing sprigs or wire clips also have to be purchased along with the glass.
Proper fitting of the new glassRoll out a piece of putty into the form of a sausage and apply it all round the four corners of the window and press it in place.Placing the bottom edge of the new glass first, the rest of the edges have to be firmly pressed into the putty taking care to press only at the sides and never in the middle. The glass has to be secured with the help of wire clips or glazing sprigs. A space of 8inches has to be maintained between the fastenings and they have to be tapped in place with the help of a chisel. Care must be taken to leave at least 4mm of the fastenings sticking out to keep the glass in placeAnother layer of putty has to be applied now in the same way as the firstA slope of 45 degrees has to be made on the putty edge with the help of a putty knifeA dampened paint brush has to be run along the putty to seal it in place. After cleaning the new glass, a time of 2 weeks has to be given for the putty to harden.
After the putty hardens, a coat of primer has to be applied to it and left to dry. Finally the whole window should be given a coat of paint and the glass window cleaned. Lo and Behold! Your new window is in place.
